What is a Community Improvement Plan (CIP)?

A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a policy and financial tool used by municipalities to support community development. Enabled under Section 28 of the Planning Act, a CIP allows the City to offer financial incentives and other support to help advance local goals, such as creating more affordable housing, attracting businesses and jobs, promoting sustainable development, and revitalizing neighbourhoods.

Why are we developing a new CIP?

Our city is growing, and with growth comes both challenges and opportunities. We’re facing rising housing costs, climate change, and the need to use land more efficiently. At the same time, we have opportunities to support local employers, build more diverse housing options, and shape a greener, more resilient future.

The City’s current CIP programs have been in place for many years. However, uptake has been limited, and the programs no longer reflect today’s priorities or Council's strategic direction. A new CIP will help us focus our efforts where they are most needed.

What will the new CIP do?

The new CIP will focus on the four Council priority areas:

  • Affordable & Attainable Housing

  • Economic Prosperity Generation

  • Environmental Sustainability

  • Urban Intensification

It will provide the City with updated financial incentive programs and implementation tools to support these priorities. For example, the CIP could provide grants or rebates to property owners, developers, or businesses undertaking eligible projects that meet specific criteria, such as building new rental housing, improving building energy efficiency, or revitalizing underused sites.

By aligning these tools with Council’s goals, the CIP will help the City direct investment where it can have the greatest impact.

📌Housing Incentive Program Update

Niagara Region is currently developing a new housing incentive program and is in the process of conducting background research and analysis. Further information about the Regional program is expected later this summer. To ensure alignment between the City and Regional initiatives, and to maximize funding partnership opportunities, administrative efficiency, and program effectiveness, the affordable and attainable housing component of the City’s CIP will be temporarily paused until additional regional program details are available. This coordinated approach will ensure the City’s program aligns with Regional efforts and provides the greatest possible impact for the community.

We want to hear from you!

We’re looking for your input to help shape how we move forward.

Throughout this process, we’ll engage with residents, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders to help shape the new CIP's vision, goals, and programs.

Your feedback will help us focus our efforts where they matter most.

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Shannon McKie

Associate/ Principal Planner

Landwise

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